Ten Thousand Years To it’s Majesty the Dumpling!

by: 安德雷

China is heaven for foodies and gourmands. As one of them, I can freely say that my stay in China was and still is a very pleasant gastronomic experience. However, amongst hundreds of different dishes, spices and tastes, one course definitely ensnared my stomach, as well as my heart – It’s Majesty, The Dumpling. Maybe a simple piece of filled doe, plainly boiled in hot water, but, so much more than a quick snack. I’ll try to elaborate using my amateur nutritionist skills:

For one, it’s hot, and hot dishes generally are beneficial for the whole body, especially in winter times. Second, it represents a perfect mix of nutrients in a proper amount: Doe – rice or wheat flour, is an important source of carbon hydrates, the energy which keeps our body running. As for the fillings, the sheer variety makes it all worthy: Veggies – vitamins, minerals and fibers, essential for good digestion. Meat and tofu – proteins, needed by our muscular tissue. Shrimp or fish – vitamins A and B, crucial for functions of the nervous system, as well as Selenium, Iodine, Omega 3 fats and other beneficial nutrients. Dumplings are boiled in plain water or steamed, which means no saturated fats. A nice portion of dumplings will therefore make a perfect meal, both tasty and healthy. On the top of all this – it’s cheap and plentiful. Definitely one of the brightest jewels in the crown of Chinese gastronomy and a great heritage given to the world. My dumplings, I kowtow to You!

OK, I know, some will say – What about fried Jiaozi? That’s good too!Well, yes… also a great piece of taste, definitely one that I’m into, but… my ultimate choice still goes down to southern Wonton. While we’re on the subject, it’s time for lunch…

4 Comments

You have hit a gastronomical nerve my friend… Greatness in the food it’s just gorgeous in the showing and tasty. Chinese food is great! Now, for me it’s not number one, but my top three favourites in the world. Especially when it comes to dumplings and noodles, etc. I’m more in fashion for Indian and Middle Eastern food first! Sorry on this one, I guess it was the influence in the places I was stationed during my career.

And to say 10,000 years, wow! How come? I thought it was marijuana that originated from China 10,000 years before, but dumplings. Wasn’t this 5,000 years before only for the Emperor’s palate? Questions for learning and out of curiosity.

I have to agree with You on the noodles. Also in the top of my list, haha.
万岁 or “Ten Thousand Years” was an expression used to worship the emperor, a Chinese equivalent to “Long Live”. The emperor himself was “The Lord of Ten Thousand Years”

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